MLS Multiplex
Fansided

USMNT: Bobby Wood’s answer doesn’t necessarily have to be MLS

By Josh Sippie

Hamburg's US striker Bobby Wood celebrates after scoring during the German first division Bundesliga football match VfL Wolfsburg vs Hamburger SV in Wolfsburg, northern Germany, on April 28, 2018. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT + 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images)
Hamburg's US striker Bobby Wood celebrates after scoring during the German first division Bundesliga football match VfL Wolfsburg vs Hamburger SV in Wolfsburg, northern Germany, on April 28, 2018. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT + 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Talk of USMNT striker Bobby Wood coming back home to play in MLS is circulating, but this may not be the best answer to his growing question.

USMNT striker Bobby Wood is not having himself the most fruitful time in the Bundesliga. He has now spent 3500 minutes in the German top flight across two years and managed just seven goals. Only two have come this year.

All of this followed his breakout year before hitting the Bundesliga, where he scored 17 goals in Bundesliga 2 with Union Berlin.

Taking that next step has not come easily for the Hawaiian native, and as such, the rumors have begun circling that he may come back home to the United States to try to find greener pastures. However, that does not necessarily have to be the answer.

Related Story: MLS Week Nine Power Rankings

There are always going to be split opinions about where USMNT players should be spending their club careers, but despite the growing relevance of MLS, it’s hard to ignore the benefits of playing in Europa, where the bulk of your international competition can be found.

More from MLS Multiplex

This is what separates a stalling Jordan Morris from a flourishing Christian Pulisic – other than just natural talent. As much as we want MLS to be at a level of the European counterparts, it just isn’t, and to flex your abilities like Pulisic has, and like Josh Sargent and Weston McKennie are now doing – that is far more useful than the comfort of home.

Bobby Wood may have spent a frustrating 3500 minutes in the Bundesliga, but that doesn’t mean abject failure. He is only 25 years old, and given the varying ages at which players enter their prime, he may be a few years off yet. Why waste those prime years in comfort when you could be pushing yourself in a league that demands more out of you.

Obviously Wood would still find competition in MLS. I’m not saying completely rule out the possibility of coming home to ply his trade. At the very least, he gave soccer overseas a go. But don’t come back to the U.S. just because it’s gotten too tough in Germany. Not yet anyways. There is still so much time and so little under his belt to decide whether or not a league like the Bundesliga is right for him.

Next: MLS: Top 5 Goals From Matchweek 9

At any rate, there are options. I would just hate to see Bobby Wood choose an option that is easier than one that may challenge him more. We will see what happens.

Home/U.S. Soccer